Volunteer in Bali with Abroad Escape.
Volunteer in Bali with supported projects in Ubud and Nusa Penida, including Culture Week, Teaching, Construction and Renovation, and Turtle Conservation.
1–8 weeks
Monday starts
Local in-country support
Not sure which Bali program is right for you? Tell us what you're looking for and he'll help you work it out.
A note from Kurt
I've been helping people choose volunteer experiences since 2006.
Bali is one of those destinations where the right program can make a great
first volunteer experience, but it isn't right for everyone.
There are several different ways to volunteer here, from community projects
in Ubud to turtle conservation on Nusa Penida. The important thing is
choosing the experience that fits you.
If you tell me when you're travelling, how long you have and what you're
interested in, I'll give you my honest recommendation.
Kurt Decorte
Founder, Abroad Escape
Ask About Bali
IS BALI ACTUALLY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Bali is a good choice if you...
- Want a structured first volunteer experience
- Are comfortable living and working in a different culture
- Want to combine volunteering with travelling
- Like having other volunteers around you
- Are interested in community, education, practical projects or conservation
- Want local support rather than organising everything independently
Bali may not be right for you if...
- You expect a conventional holiday experience
- You need everything to happen exactly as it would at home
- You struggle with unfamiliar food, routines or cultural differences
- You expect volunteering to be completely predictable
- You're looking for a luxury or highly personalised experience
Not sure? That's exactly what we're here for.
Tell Us What You're Looking For
Which Bali experience suits you?
CULTURE FIRST
Start with Culture Week (Ubud)
A structured introduction to Bali before your main volunteer project.
Good for: first-time volunteers, solo travellers and people who want to understand the local culture before starting project work.
Explore Culture Week
Culture Week in Ubud
Culture Week is a one-week introduction to Balinese life before you begin your main volunteer project. It is particularly useful if this is your first time in Bali or your first international volunteering experience.
What you'll do
- Learn about Balinese traditions, religion and daily life
- Explore Ubud market and local areas
- Take Balinese language lessons
- Visit a village, rice terraces and local art areas
- Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance
- Take part in a batik workshop
- Join a traditional cooking class
- Learn to make Balinese flower offerings
- Visit Pura Tirta Empul temple and experience a traditional holy-water blessing
- Meet the local team and prepare for your next volunteer project
Typical weekly schedule
Monday
Introduction to Balinese culture and traditions, Ubud market walking tour and Monkey Street. Afternoon culture class, followed by a traditional dance performance in the evening.
Tuesday
Balinese language lesson, followed by a village walk including rice terraces and local art areas.
Wednesday
Balinese language lesson and batik painting workshop.
Thursday
Traditional cooking class, followed by a flower-offering workshop and welcome/goodbye dinner.
Friday
Visit Pura Tirta Empul for a spiritual and cultural experience, followed by your volunteer project meeting.
Good for: First-time volunteers, solo travellers and anyone who wants a cultural introduction before starting their main project.
Schedules can change because of weather, ceremonies, temple access, group size and local conditions.
COMMUNITY
Teaching (Ubud)
Support local teachers and students through English practice, classroom activities, games and conversation.
Good for: people who enjoy working with children and want a structured community project that benefits the local children.
Explore Teaching
Teaching in Ubud
Support local teachers and students through English practice, classroom activities and confidence-building. Your role is to assist the local teaching team rather than replace them.
What you'll do
- Practise English with students
- Help with conversation and pronunciation
- Support classroom activities and games
- Help students build confidence using English
- Prepare simple educational activities and materials
- Assist local teachers where needed
- Take part in sports or recreational activities when appropriate
You may work with children from kindergarten through secondary school, depending on the placement and current local needs.
Typical weekly schedule
Monday
Orientation and introduction to the school, followed by your first teaching activities and classroom support.
Tuesday
English practice, conversation and classroom activities with students.
Wednesday
Continue teaching support, games and confidence-building activities, adapting to the needs of the students and teachers.
Thursday
English lessons and practical classroom activities, with preparation of activities where required.
Friday
Final teaching activities for the week, followed by feedback and preparation for the following week.
Good for: Volunteers who enjoy working with children, confident communicators, education students and first-time volunteers.
Requirements: No formal teaching qualification is required, but you should be reliable, patient, respectful and comfortable working with children. Background checks or references may be required for projects involving children.
The exact timetable and activities can vary according to the school, local teachers, student needs and project schedule.
HANDS-ON
Construction & Renovation (Ubud)
Get involved in practical work helping improve local community spaces, schools and other facilities.
Good for: people who prefer physical, practical work, and don't mind getting their hands dirty.
Explore Construction
Construction & Renovation in Ubud
Get involved in practical projects that improve schools, community spaces and other local facilities. The work changes according to current community needs, so you should be prepared to take on different practical tasks.
What you'll do
Depending on the project, you may help with:
- Painting and decorating
- Plastering and basic repairs
- Tiling
- Bricklaying
- Classroom improvements
- Playground improvements
- Community-space renovation
- General maintenance and cleaning
- Other practical tasks requested by the local team
Typical weekly schedule
Monday
Project orientation and introduction to the worksite, followed by initial construction, renovation or maintenance tasks.
Tuesday
Continue practical work such as painting, repairs, building or site improvements.
Wednesday
Hands-on project work based on current site requirements and available materials.
Thursday
Continue renovation or construction tasks, working alongside the local team and other volunteers.
Friday
Complete the week's practical work, clean the work area and review what needs to continue the following week.
Good for: Hands-on volunteers, practical people, outdoor workers and anyone who enjoys working as part of a team.
Requirements: No professional construction experience is required, but you should be comfortable with physical work, outdoor conditions and changing tasks.
Construction and renovation activities depend on weather, site requirements, tools, materials, safety considerations and coordinator instructions.
CONSERVATION
Turtle Conservation (Nusa Penida)
Help the local conservation team with turtle care, centre maintenance and marine conservation activities.
Good for: wildlife lovers and people who want outdoor conservation work.
Explore Turtle Conservation
Turtle Conservation on Nusa Penida
Work alongside a local turtle conservation team on Nusa Penida, supporting the care, recovery and protection of sea turtles. The project combines animal welfare, environmental work and practical conservation tasks.
What you'll do
Depending on the needs of the centre, you may:
- Feed turtles and prepare food
- Clean turtle pools and conservation areas
- Monitor turtle health and development
- Record basic measurements and data
- Support treatment routines for injured turtles under supervision
- Clean beaches
- Help maintain the conservation centre
- Assist with environmental education
- Support nest or hatchling monitoring when seasonally available
Typical weekly schedule
Monday
Project presentation and briefing, followed by turtle feeding, pool cleaning, food preparation and beach cleaning.
Tuesday
Pool cleaning and feeding, collecting seaweed or live food, beach cleaning and other conservation activities.
Wednesday
Turtle care, food preparation and cleaning, with possible health monitoring, maintenance or data collection.
Thursday
Daily turtle-care routines, feeding, cleaning, maintenance and environmental activities according to current priorities.
Friday
Final care and conservation activities for the week, including centre or beach maintenance and a review with the local team.
If a turtle release happens to be possible, it only takes place when the turtles are ready. Releases are never staged for volunteers and are not guaranteed.
Good for: Wildlife lovers, conservation students, marine-focused travellers, outdoor volunteers and people interested in hands-on animal welfare.
Requirements: No previous conservation experience is required. You should be comfortable working outdoors and doing practical tasks. Swimming ability is useful but not mandatory.
Activities depend on weather, season, animal-care needs, nesting and hatchling activity, local conditions.
Schedules can change because of weather, ceremonies, temple access, group size and local conditions.
What would Kurt choose?
| If you are... | I'd look at... |
|---|---|
| A first-time volunteer | Culture Week + a community project |
| Interested in teaching | Teaching in Ubud |
| Practical and hands-on | Construction & Renovation |
| Passionate about wildlife | Turtle Conservation |
| Unsure what suits you | Tell me what you're looking for |
There isn't one "best" Bali program. It depends on what you want from the experience.
Ask Kurt
What should you expect?
Volunteering in Bali isn't a packaged holiday.
You'll have local support, accommodation and a structured project, but you'll still need to adapt to a different culture, different routines and sometimes a different standard of comfort from what you're used to at home.
That's part of the experience!
If you want everything to run exactly like a conventional holiday, Bali volunteering may not be the right choice.
If you're curious, flexible and willing to adapt, it can be a very rewarding first experience abroad.
| Before you book Bali, know this | What to expect |
|---|---|
| You're not booking a holiday | You are joining a volunteer program and living in a different culture. |
| Your schedule can change | Local conditions, project requirements, weather, schools and other circumstances can affect activities. |
| Accommodation is shared | Volunteer accommodation is shared. Private rooms are available at extra cost. |
| You will still have free time | Your program is structured, but Bali is also a destination you'll experience outside your project. |
| Some things won't be perfect | That's normal when you're living and volunteering abroad. |
The important program details
Arrival and Airport Pickup
You should arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar on the confirmed arrival day. Airport pickup is included. Please wait to book flights until your place is confirmed and your arrival instructions have been sent. Your proposal and pre-departure information will confirm the correct arrival timing, local contact details and next steps.
Bali Locations
Ubud: Main base for Culture Week, Teaching, and Construction and Renovation.
Nusa Penida: Island base for Turtle Conservation.
Orientation
Orientation takes place on your first Monday. It covers local customs, accommodation, health and safety guidance, project expectations, practical rules, daily routines and local coordinator support.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included from the Sunday night before your start date through to Saturday morning of your final week. Volunteers stay in shared volunteer accommodation. Limited private rooms are available at an extra cost, let us know so we can check availability.
How much does Bali cost?
One clear total price. No extra registration fee.
To reserve your place, you pay a €200 / £175 / $250 deposit.
Your deposit is deducted from your total program price. It is not an extra fee.
| Duration | EUR | GBP | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | €765 | £680 | $940 |
| 2 Weeks | €995 | £880 | $1200 |
| 3 Weeks | €1295 | £1160 | $1555 |
| 4 Weeks | €1595 | £1430 | $1920 |
| Each Additional Week | €395 | £360 | $495 |
Project supplements:
Construction & Turtles: +€45/£40/$55 per week
Secure Your Place With a €200 / £175 / $250 Deposit
You don't need to pay the full amount immediately. Lock in your placement today with a deposit. Your deposit is deducted from your total program price. It is not an extra fee. Your remaining balance is due 45 days before your program start date.
Flexible Changes
You can request a free change of date, destination, or program up to 30 days before your start date, subject to local partner availability and any price difference.
Requirements to Join
- Minimum age: 18
- Insurance: Travel Insurance is Mandatory
- Background: Criminal background check (or two reference letters)
Your program fee includes
- Volunteer placement
- Accommodation
- Meals (3 meals/day on weekdays and 2 meals/day on weekends)
- Airport pickup
- Orientation
- Local support
- Pre-departure guidance
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Social Cultural Visa is required (we will provide all details, cost about €225)
- Personal spending
- Criminal background check
We are Loved ♥️ by our Trusted Customers
I volunteered in with Abroad Escape, which was definitely the best trip and the best experience of my life!
The program was a great experience for me. The kids I taught were very smart and happy. They were very willing to learn which was amazing.
I had an amazing time in volunteering. I was happy with the whole experience and would love to go back in the future!
Tell Us What You're Looking For
Not sure which Bali program makes sense for you?
Tell us:
- When you want to travel
- How long you have
- What interests you
- Whether you're travelling alone
- Your approximate budget
- Anything you're unsure about
We will look at your plans and help you narrow down the options.
No payment. No commitment.
Tell Us About Your Plans
| What happens next? | How it works |
|---|---|
| 1. You tell us about your plans | A short form. No commitment. |
| 2. Kurt reviews your plans | We'll look at your dates, interests, budget and experience. |
| 3. You receive a recommendation | We'll tell you which Bali option we think makes the most sense, and why. |
| 4. You decide | No pressure to book. |